Not far from Quito and at the confluence of the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon lies an alluring cloud forest, and within that cloud forest is the backpacker mecca, Mindo.

Mindo is a small town with a disproportionate amount of things to keep you busy attached to it, certainly more than what you can squeeze into one of the popular day trips from the capital. In Mindo, you can dive headfirst into lush waterfall hikes, ziplining, birdwatching, and chocolate-making tours – all amidst the backdrop of the jungle.

The verdant mountainsides and babbling brooks that make up the cloud forest are home to a staggering amount of biodiversity. One in five of the world's bird species call the cloud forest home. Hummingbirds and butterflies dance between every tropical tree. Lucky backpackers may even spot rare species such as Andean bears, capuchin monkeys, and pumas. And the area is one of the most diverse places on earth for flora and fauna.

The town itself is small, quaint even. Still, most activities you can sign up for are just minutes away on foot. Not only that, the town's infrastructure, despite its diminutive size, is pretty impressive while never allowing the place to feel overcrowded – a rare feat indeed. If you crave peace and quiet after a stint amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital, you'll struggle to find a better place than Mindo.

Set at around 4,100 feet (1,250 meters), Mindo's elevation is almost half that in the capital, Quito, which is only two hours away by bus. Therefore, the town is a lot less chilly and a lot more humid.

To reach Mindo by bus, you'll take one of the Flor del Valle buses from La Ofelia bus station in north Quito.

A one-way ticket costs less than $4.00. You can buy tickets from the Flor del Valle ticket office when at the station.

Buses are pretty punctual and drop you off in the center of town.

Oh, and a word to the wise. Cash is king in Mindo, with no ATMs available in the town, be sure to stock up before departing Quito.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Mindo has to offer.

Discover The Cloud Forest

Mindo's Cloud Forest is a natural wonder. This unique ecosystem is famed for its biodiversity, home to an immense variety of birds, including vibrant hummingbirds and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as distinctive flora and fauna.

As a subtropical rainforest, the cloud forest has cooler temperatures than a typical tropical rainforest but maintains high humidity.

These factors foster the enchanting mist blanketing the forests for which the area is famed.

Cloud forests are known for their signature low-lying cloud cover, usually at the canopy height, with fog drip adding to the moisture in these forests.

Backpackers can immerse themselves in this memorable landscape through hikes or by hiring a bike.

Soar Above The Trees On A Zipline

Ziplining is an immensely popular and exhilarating pastime in Mindo. 

Soaring above the lush cloud forest canopy offers breathtaking views and a kick for thrillseekers.

While a couple of tour operators are in town, our pick would be Mindo Canopy Tours. Mindo Canopy Tours' Ziplining experience costs $20 for a tour generally lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, taking you deep into the forest with a knowledgeable guide across ten different cables and 33,500 meters of forest. For the brave amongst you, the company also offers the same tour but at night for an extra $5; flying through the forest at night is an entirely new sensation, trust us. 

The tours tend to run once an hour, and while you can book ahead to be safe, it's rarely necessary. Getting to the tour office from town to sign up for the tour requires some effort. You have the choice of catching a quick cab or taking a 45-minute stroll; when your surroundings are this pleasant, we'd opt for the latter. 

Take A Birdwatching Tour

Mindo is a birdwatcher's paradise. This mystical forest harbors over 500 bird species; 20% of the world's bird species crammed into one forest!

The town is particularly famous for its variety of endemic hummingbirds, and the striking Andean cock-of-the-rock, known for its unique plumage and animated displays. Those brief displays involve the male birds descending to their favorite tree, the lek tree, to perform an elaborate display of machismo. While this display can be seen at dusk and dawn, dawn is by far your best bet.

Whether you are an expert birdwatcher or a casual observer, Mindo's birdwatching tours are a great way to get out and explore the cloud forest surrounding the town.

Mindo has loads of knowledgeable bilingual guides who can help organize these tours from almost any accommodation. With over 500 species recorded, you can stop at a bird sanctuary in Mindo or visit a private reserve for a modest fee.

The sheer volume of birds in Mindo is astonishing, but if you're not sold on actually going out to see birds, that's cool too. You'll still see plenty just wandering around Mindo and exploring the surrounding forest.

Laze Down Rio Mundo On A River Tubing Excursion

River Tubing is known for being one of the most chilled-out adventure activities out there, placidly drifting along a river with a nice cold beer in hand. Not in Mindo, though.

River tubing in Mindo is a middle ground between actual river tubing and white water rafting. One tube is replaced by a group of tubes tied together. 

Once on board, you'll be left to drift and sometimes panic along the Rio Mindo as you cut through this picturesque valley. And though things may occasionally seem a little hairy, you'll be in the constant presence of expert guides who will keep you decidedly safe. 

If we were to pick a tour operator to take you river tubing, we'd point you toward MindoXtrem. MindoXtrem runs several tubing experiences starting from $6 — the more you pay, the more of a thrill the experience is.

It's worth noting that during the wet season, you'll get a more thrilling experience whatever you pay, with the rivers banks decidedly bursting.

While river tubing is still just river tubing, you'd be hard-pressed to find river tubing like this river tubing anywhere else in the world. If you are a thrillseeker, booking a tour along class three rapids is possible. 

Visit A Butterfly Sanctuary

Birds aren't the only wildlife attraction in Mindo. The area is blessed with a huge number of butterfly species as well. While several butterfly sanctuaries are dotted in and around town, Mariposas de Mindo is the best.

This is the town's most popular butterfly sanctuary, a delightful, eye-popping experience just a short one-kilometer walk from the center of Mindo.

Once inside the sanctuary, you'll find yourself in a miniature Eden with dozens of species and well over a thousand butterflies fluttering around you. It's mesmerizing; educational too. Throughout the sanctuary, you'll find informative displays detailing the characteristics of each butterfly species and learn more about their life cycle, from chrysalis to fully-fledged flutterer.

Admittedly, the $8.50 fee to get into the sanctuary is steep. Still, it's well worth the expense and a brilliant way to pass a couple of hours when stopping in Mindo.

Take Mindo’s Famous Chocolate Tour

With its roots in locally sourced cacao from family farms within the Mindo cloud forest, the El Quetzal Chocolate tour is another much-loved activity to occupy your time in Mindo.

The tours are delivered in English and Spanish, taking you on a sensory journey from bean to bar. With El Quetzal, you'll head out to one of the nearby chocolate farms for an overview of cacao cultivation and how the process of being made into chocolate comes about, with plenty of free samples – of course. You'll also learn about the history of cacao cultivation in the region.

Tours depart from El Quetzal on the hour, every hour, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and cost $8. You don't need to book ahead either. Just rock up at the El Quetzal café – maybe even enjoy a delicious hot chocolate while you wait for the next tour to depart.

Take The Tarabita Cable Car & Explore Mindo’s Many Waterfalls

Mindo's cloud forest is incredible, a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. However, it's also home to one of Ecuador's best hikes outside the mighty Andes.

The forest surrounding Mindo is home to all manner of species and abundant waterfalls. This hike through the verdant jungle sees you circle seven of them.

Undertaking this hike requires some effort and a little bravery. The starting point is at the end of Mindo's Tarabita cable car.

The Tarabita cable car is 7 kilometers from the center of town – you could walk there, but considering final departures from where you'll be dropped off are at 5:30 PM, a taxi may be your best bet here; for speed, if not affordability.

The journey across on the rickety cable car is a journey in itself. Your $5 return ticket affords you 500 meters of sweeping views of the Nambilo Ecological Reserve below before disembarking.

After disembarking on the other side of the Tarabita, the waterfall hike begins in earnest – but be warned, to see all seven waterfalls is a solid half-day activity.

The waterfalls you'll see along the way are Cascada de Nambillo, Cascada Ondinas, Cascada Guaromos, Cascada Colibries, Cascada Madre, Cascada de los Maderos, and finally, the towering Cascada Reina. The trail to all these waterfalls is well-marked, and it'd be tricky to wind up lost.

Along the route is an optional viewing platform at the top of Cascada Nambillo, which costs $3 to get to. There will also be plenty of opportunities to cool off and take a quick dip beneath the waterfalls, so remember some trunks or a swimsuit.

We'd also recommend some solid hiking boots; the terrain can be treacherous, with slippery rocks and potential water crossings.

While getting to the cable car, crossing, seeing all seven waterfalls, getting back across the forest, and then getting back to Mindo will take up several hours, there is – in our opinion – no better way to take in Mindo's majestic cloud forest.

Shine A Light On Mindo’s Nocturnal Creatures On The Night Walk

The Night Walk tour reveals a different side to Mindo's cloud forest, seeing you encounter new indigenous species as you cross the forest under a starlit sky. 

The tour pairs you with an experienced guide for a thrilling 90-minute adventure. Along the way, you'll spot frogs, snakes, spiders, kinkajous, opossums, armadillos, glowing micro-bacteria, and, if you're especially lucky, the elusive kinkajou – also known as the honey bear. 

A highlight of this tour is 'the frog concert.' On Lake Mindo's shores, this amphibious orchestra is part of a local project to enhance the frog population. 

The Night Walk tour costs $15 and can be booked on the company's Facebook page. Included in that price is your gear – including a trusty flashlight, park fees, and transport from Mindo and back again. The local guides are incredibly knowledgeable and have a knack for knowing where to spot some of the forest's more elusive inhabitants.

For some, the night walk tour could be unnerving, but it remains informative, unique, and fun, shedding new light on the cloud forest and the creatures that call it home. 

La Casa De Cecilia

Founded 20 years ago as an abode to German volunteers, casa de Cecilia has blossomed into a verdant haven for backpackers and a firm favorite to those seeking a peaceful jungle retreat.

Casa de Cecilia is ideally positioned just off the town's main street, making hotspots like the ever-popular El Quetzal accessible. And yet, the hostel feels somewhat tucked away, nestled in lush forests and perched next to a riverside; it feels delightfully secluded.

The hostel feels simple, warm, and welcoming, with inviting common room spaces, a self-catering kitchen, a hammock area overlooking the river, an on-site café, and WiFi throughout the premises.

Casa de Cecilia can also set the wheels in motion for guests to partake in some of Mindo's most popular activities and tours. The hostel can arrange ziplining, canyoning, tubing, waterfall hikes, butterfly farm visits, and chocolate tours for guests.

Regarding rooms, Casa de Cecilia caters to every preference and budget.

The hostel offers dorms, but only in a configuration of four people sharing a room and a private bathroom. However, for just $10, that's a steal.

With private rooms, guests have a little more choice. Privates start at $20 with a large bed for one person and an en suite bathroom. You can get the same for an extra $12 but with a double bed for two or two single beds.

Finally, there is the four-bed family suite, two double beds, and a private bathroom, priced at $40 – perfect for those traveling in a small group.

Cinnamon House

Found a three-minute walk from the center of Mindo, the bamboo-constructed Cinnamon House is surrounded by lush jungle and the variety of wildlife inhabiting it.

The hostel is delightful inside, with rustic details complemented by modern features. There are three spacious common rooms, a self-catering kitchen, an on-site café, and a hammock area. It blends effortlessly with the surrounding nature in which it finds itself, leading to a tranquil vibe about the place.

Regarding rooms, Cinnamon House offers its guests a choice of dorm rooms and privates.

The shared rooms are split into 10-bed and 8-bed dorms for $12 and a smaller 4-bed dorm for $14. All dorm rooms have privacy curtains on the bunks, personal lamps, and electrical sockets.

For those who prefer more privacy, there are several private rooms available. A basic double room with a shared bathroom costs $30, while double rooms with a private ensuite range between $32 and $37. A twin room with a private ensuite is also available for $45.

Casa de Piedra

Just a short stroll from the center of Mindo, Casa de Piedra offers a peaceful retreat for weary backpackers. Its buildings, either semi-concealed by abundant vegetation or constructed from natural elements like bamboo, evoke a sense of stepping into a verdant jungle. This flora-adorned property also features a picturesque Bamboo Lounge, the perfect spot to unwind with a refreshing cocktail during happy hour.

Most rooms are in a three-story building set aside at the end of a small stone path. Each floor is equipped with chill-out and communal areas, while the lower level features a games patio with foosball, dartboard, and pool table, readily available for guests looking to socialize or have some fun. Outside, there is also a delightful pool, patio area, and barbecue facilities for guests to enjoy at their leisure. All guests also get access to free WiFi that spans the breadth of the property.

When it comes to room options, Casa de Piedra doesn't disappoint.

Only four-bed dorms are available here and are priced at $18, the ideal option for those who prefer a more sociable experience on their travels.

When it comes to private rooms, guests have more choices. Standard twin rooms with shared bathrooms are available at $40. There's also a three-bed private room with an ensuite for $57.99. Both private rooms offer access to a balcony with stunning views and a patio with games and hammocks, all set within Casa de Piedra's lush gardens.

Last but not least, Casa de Piedra offers a standard 4-bed private ensuite in a charming bungalow nestled on an island, surrounded by gardens and trees. This bungalow has a bunk bed, a double bed, a minibar, a private bathroom, and a small terrace. It can be booked for varying numbers of guests, starting from $45 for one person up to $80 for four.

El Quetzal

More than just a cafe, or even a chocolate tour, El Quetzal is also a great spot for an even better meal. The restaurant is renowned for its picturesque mountain views and serving a menu of authentic Ecuadorian dishes and Western favorites using ingredients grown in their very own two-acre garden.

There's plenty to rave about here, from the sumptuous beef tenderloin served with a barbecue coffee sauce and the sweet plantain stuffed chicken to their famous brownies that have won such acclaim during their chocolate tours. For the adventurous, El Quetzal's bold ginger beer is also worth writing home about.

It's great food all around, and the location is tranquil and peaceful; it's an awesome oasis to dine in during your trip to Mindo. Starters here will cost between $4 and $8. Mainsmeanwhile cost between $8.50 and $15, the after-mentioned beef tenderloin being the most expensive of those dishes. Deserts are modestly priced between $4.50 and $5.50.

Arepera

Arepera is a small must-visit spot for any food lover in Mindo. They are famous for their arepas - a traditional corn pocket delicacy found throughout Latin America.

Despite being a modest, inexpensive venue with limited seating, Arepera's delectable offerings have made it a busy hub. Its location on Mindo's main drag adds to the allure. Whether you're a committed arepa aficionado or a first-time sampler, this restaurant promises a memorable meal.

Open daily, Arepera offers a range of options for all palates, including meat-heavy, vegetarian, and vegan arepas, all affordable at $2 each. Remember to try their exceptional hot sauce, which comes highly recommended. Ideal for budget travelers or anyone keen on an authentic Venezuelan experience, Arepera should certainly be on your Mindo dining itinerary. Their black bean and avocado arepa comes especially recommended.

Mishqui Quinde

A beacon for vegan and vegetarian culinary exploration, Mishqui Quinde is an exceptional restaurant in Mindo, Ecuador. Renowned for using locally sourced ingredients from the Ecuadorian cloud forest, it offers a selection of delicious, inventive dishes based predominantly around quinoa. Favorites include their savory quinoa burgers and homemade ice cream.

Mishqui Quinde, translating to "Sweet Hummingbird," offers five main dishes priced between $5 and $8.50, soups, drinks, and sorbets, each delicately crafted to cater to the vegan palette. Their juice offerings are highly recommended, though they are often overlooked for their standout homemade liquors. The chocolate and passionfruit liqueurs, created by Oswaldo, the owner, are a sweet surprise. These concoctions aren't overly sweet or strong but perfectly balanced with nuances of dark chocolate shavings or an experimental blend of cacao juice.

This quaint restaurant can get quite packed, so an early arrival is advised. With a passion for experimentation, a welcoming atmosphere, and an array of healthy dishes, Mishqui Quinde serves not just food but an experience worth savoring in Mindo. It's also worth mentioning that they carry Abysmo, one of Ecuador's favorite craft beers, offering a rich and robust bourbon stout to complete your meal for $4.50.

Situated at a lower elevation than Quito and being all but slap bang on the equator, Mindo greets visitors with warmer temperatures and higher humidity averaging around 70-75°F (21-22°C) year-round. Its subtropical cloud forest environment maintains a 60-80% humidity level.

Despite the "wet season," occurring from October to May, rain is a constant companion throughout the year in this tropical cloud forest. Though that's not to say the days are constantly miserable, more likely you'll see a mini-monsoon from mid to late afternoon. The months are less rainy from June to September, yet you can still expect showers, with 115mm of rain in June and 60mm in August.

Visiting during weekdays is recommended, as weekends can get crowded with local tourists.

We'd suggest that visiting Mindo between June and October is ideal. But even during this drier season, be prepared for afternoon showers. Despite the unpredictable rain, the weather in September and October is often considered near-perfect.

Our Map Of Mindo, Ecuador